How to Trim an Aerogarden

Sharp, clean household scissors are ideal for trimming AeroGarden plants.

AeroGardens are trademarked small electric appliances designed to grow herbs and vegetables indoors with only artificial light. Tomatoes, lettuces and herbs are the most common crops grown in AeroGardens. According to the official growing guide, consistent trimming, pruning and harvesting of the plant crops will improve light conditions, plant health and promote vigorous growth of harvest-ready edibles. Simple household scissors are the only tool you will need to trim your plants for optimal performance.

Things You'll Need

• Small, sharp household scissors

Instructions

1. Trim plants for size as needed to ensure that there is no horizontal overlap or overcrowding between adjacent plants as this blocks light and limits growth.

2. Shorten the plant tops so that they are just below the AeroGarden lid, but not touching or bunching up against the top as this blocks light to other plants.

3. Remove no more than 1/3 of the overall plant volume in any harvesting or trimming session and place all cuts on the stem at a leaf joint.

4. Prune rapidly growing plants more frequently than slow-growing ones to keep plants vigorous and full.

5. Cut back leggy growth that has the least amount of leaves. This will encourage bushiness, branching and better yields.

6. Harvest herb and lettuce leaves by trimming off the top 1 to 2 inches of plant tips several times each week as you need them. Leave at least 2/3 of the plant volume to regenerate new growth.

Tips & Warnings

• After trimming or harvesting, rotate the thinnest or scrawniest side of the plant towards the center of the AeroGarden unit so it will receive more light and resume vigorous growth.

References

• AeroGrow: How to Prune and Harvest Herbs and Lettuces
• AeroGarden.com: AeroGarden Growing Units